If you've ever cruised our Bike Check section, the largest collection of badass bike builds on the internet, you know that Vital members spare no expense when it comes to radifying their rides. Always on the hunt for a backstory, we reached out to the owners of these five fine builds to find out what went into each project. From the sneakily stealthy to the overtly outrageous, these rowdy rigs all have one thing in common: they were made to go hard. What do their owners have to say about them?
About the Specialized Enduro
The Specialized Enduro was born before enduro was even a thing - in fact, the very first version released in 1999 wasn't even CALLED the Enduro. 8 generations later, the Enduro is still going strong and still helping to define a category that aims to provide bikes that "climb like goats and descend like bats out of hell". The very latest incarnation is available with 27.5", 27.5+ or 29" wheels, coil or air shocks, and sports a headangle of around 65 degrees. Chose from either alloy or carbon models ranging from approx $3000 to $9000 USD.
View the Specialized Enduro in our Product Guide.
johnski's Specialized Enduro
Age: 44 physically, 14 mentally!
Where do you live? Charlotte, NC, USA.
Favorite local trail to ride? Nearby, I like the US National Whitewater Center for combining many miles of local diversity into one area, and beer, oh, the beer. But, nothing can compare to a short drive west to the Pisgah National Forest and hitting anything in Wilson Creek.
Why did you pick the Specialized Enduro? I've drooled over this bike for years, and finally saved up enough to pull the trigger. Being a teacher around these parts forces you to count your pennies! I could've gone the trail bike route, but wanted something that I wouldn't question on trips to Pisgah. Plus, it checked all the geometry numbers I was looking for, and it pedals as well as many shorter travel bikes out there, so why not an extra 20mm of squish? After a year of ownership, I have zero regrets, as this bike has saved my butt on several occasions, and given me endless amounts of smiles per mile.
Another big factor in my choice was my relationship with my local shop, The Cycle Path in Cornelius NC. They were able to get me saddled up with zero headache, and continue to provide all the service, knowledge, and piece of mind you get when you buy local.
Is this Specialized Enduro your only bike? Yes, otherwise I'd be divorced.
What bike did this replace / What bike were you on before this? '14 Cannondale Trigger 29er 3.
Did you go for an off-the-shelf build or did you customize the build? I ordered the Elite build, and had my shop immediately replace the stock hoops and put together a Spank 345/Hope Pro4 wheelset that could take a beating. Over the course of a year, I've swapped the stem and bars (Spank Vibrocore 800 and Spank Spike 50mm), grips (Fabric), dropper (X-fusion Manic), chainring (AbsoluteBlack oval 30t), tires (Maxxis DHF/Aggressor), and drivetrain (GX Eagle).
What’s your favorite part about the bike? That Ohlins RFX 36 with the EVO upgrade is possibly the smoothest running fork on the planet.
What would you change on it? If I had the funds, I'd further upgrade the wheelset with Santa Cruz Reserve rims spinning around I9 Hydra hubs.
How long do you plan on riding this bike? 4 years, which is how long it'll take me to save up for the next bike.
If you could get another new bike (any kind/type) right now, what would you get? We've got new pumptracks and flow trails opening up locally, so I've been wanting a nice DJ bike to work on those skills. So, a Commencal Absolut would do the trick.
Age: 32
Where do you live? Bensheim, Germany.
Favorite local trail to ride? If I would write: "the legal ones" it wouldn't be the truth... ;)
Why did you pick the Specialized Enduro? As I already owned the 2016 Specialized S-Works Enduro and loved it, it was time for a new weapon of choice. I've always loved the S.W.A.T idea of Specialized plus the updated geometry of the Enduro. As there was an opportunity for an upgrade....well, the rest is history.
Is this Specialized Enduro your only bike? To answer this question with a YES seems to be the wrong answer, so therefore I have another 2 bikes. A Specialized P3 for some pumptrack and slopestyle action and a Specialized Carbon Demo equipped with all blue Hope parts as well to rip some gnarlier DH and bike park trails.
What bike did this replace / What bike were you on before this? As mentioned before, it replaced my 2016 S-Works Enduro. It was the right decision, as the updated geometry suits me much better then before.
Did you go for an off-the-shelf build or did you customize the build? Hopefully my wife won´t read this article, as I told her I can "reuse" almost every part of my "old" Enduro (HAHAHAHA). But as we all know the bike industry now uses some new standards and so does Specialized. So the only thing left "off-the-shelf" is the headset, which came with the frame.
What’s your favorite part about the bike? The S.W.A.T. Box, where I can store lots of stuff which lets me go for a ride without a backpack. That's definitely a great invention.
What would you change on it? The only thing that comes to my mind are probably the CB pedals. I think I will give the new Shimano's a try. And probably the headset.
How long do you plan on riding this bike? As I built this bike with almost only Hope parts, A LONG TIME :)
If you could get another new bike (any kind/type) right now, what would you get? I think I would give the E-Bike stuff a try, as you can ride more trails in the same amount of time.
Alexptdmg's Specialized Enduro
Age: 38
Where do you live? Sedona, AZ, USA.
Favorite local trail to ride? Hiline loop with bonuses.
Why did you pick the Specialized Enduro? It was a great fit for me in medium. It was the bike that got me to ride a Specialized. It has enough travel to take a good beating on the trails here, and yet really good pedaler. The geo isn’t too extreme, so it still a good all around trail bike.
Is this Specialized Enduro your only bike? No, I also have a 2019 short travel Stumpjumper 29.
What bike did this replace / What bike were you on before this? I had a pivot Switchblade 29 before.
Did you go for an off-the-shelf build or did you customize the build? I built it from an S-works frame.
What’s your favorite part about the bike? The fit for the size, and how capable it is in every direction (it pedals good and descends like a DH bike).
What would you change on it? No SWAT box if that allowed it to save more weight, and no proprietary shock mount.
How long do you plan on riding this bike? I had 2 different ones within couple years (we can ride all year round here).
If you could get another new bike (any kind/type) right now, what would you get? I like the Stumpjumper 29, I would also be curious to try the new Niner RIP9 in the 29" version.
snyperevo9's Specialized Enduro
Age: 39
Where do you live? Singapore.
Favorite local trail to ride? Chestnut Bike trail, Bukit Timah MTB Trail & Kent Ridge Bike Trail.
Why did you pick the Specialized Enduro? I love the performance of this bike, how it climbs, how it bashes down the hills and how it's ready for any jumps and drops. It's a mini DH bike that still allows you to climb.
Is this Specialized Enduro your only bike? No. I have a Specialized S-WORKS Demo 8 bike for the gnarlier stuff.
What bike did this replace / What bike were you on before this? I was riding a Giant Reign previously.
Did you go for an off-the-shelf build or did you customize the build? It's a custom build.
What’s your favorite part about the bike? I love every single part of the bike.
What would you change on it? Probably refresh the drivetrain and brakes.
How long do you plan on riding this bike? As long as it still provides me with fun and confidence while riding it.
If you could get another new bike (any kind/type) right now, what would you get? Love my Specialized Enduro, can't think of anything that can replace it.
viscious_cycleworx's Specialized Enduro
Age: 36
Where do you live? Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Favorite local trail to ride? Bobsled.
Why did you pick the Specialized Enduro? Two words. Ess Works.
Is this Specialized Enduro your only bike? No.
What bike did this replace / What bike were you on before this? Ellsworth Momentum.
Did you go for an off-the-shelf build or did you customize the build? Full custom.
What’s your favorite part about the bike? Hmm... the custom rear shock I configured for this application.
What would you change on it? Nothing.
How long do you plan on riding this bike? Just sold it actually.. for $7k.
If you could get another new bike (any kind/type) right now, what would you get? 2019 S-WORKS Enduro.
View viscious_cycleworx's bike check.
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4/2/2019 8:22am
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